Russell Eugene "Gene" Rogers

Russell “Gene” Rogers died peacefully on August 25, 2023 in his favorite recliner. He was a loving

husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather dedicated to his family and the Scottsburg

community. He was born on January 15, 1927 to the late Russell Rogers and the late Myrtle (Murphy) Rogers.

After graduating from Scottsburg High School in 1945, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served

13 months of active duty. After he had served his time, he enrolled in Hanover College, where he

graduated with his Bachelor’s degree. He went on to receive his Master’s degree in education from

Indiana University. Gene married Vada Kenney in 1951. They were married for over 71 years.

Mr. Rogers got a job with the Scottsburg school district in 1952 where he served as Jr High School

principal, math teacher, and driver’s education teacher for 41 years until he retired from Scott County

School District 2 in 1993.

Gene was highly involved in the Scottsburg and surrounding communities as a coach and assistant coach

of elementary basketball, Scottsburg High School golf coach, umpire for both baseball and softball,

referee for basketball, and assistant track coach. He was a member of First Christian Church of

Scottsburg, Scottish Rite Indianapolis Valley, Kiwanis, and a 50+ year member of Scottsburg Lodge #572

F&AM.

Gene was most well-known for being Scottsburg’s #1 Cheerleader. His pride of being a Scottsburg

Warrior had gotten stronger each year of his life and even more meaningful to the community. If you’ve

ever attended a Scottsburg High School basketball game, you would have seen him at the sidelines or on

the court in his purple and gold uniform proudly encouraging his Warriors and Warriorettes.

His tradition of the “Give Me One Big Fight” chant began in the 1960s when he felt the crowd needed

rousing up. He left his seat and went out onto the floor and urged the crowd to get fired up. The student

cheering section cheered wildly, the adults stood and cheered like never before, and Scottsburg won the

game. The Scottsburg crowds soon began to chant his name, “Rogers, Rogers” before he would leave his

seat to go on the floor between the third and fourth quarter. He developed his own cheer and would

run in a circle in the middle of the gym to perform a toe-touch. His uniform still proudly hangs in the

Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.

For a small man, Gene will be greatly missed.

“Give Me One Big Fight”

He is survived by his loving wife of over 71 years, Vada Marie (Kenney) Rogers of Scottsburg, Indiana, two daughters, Kathleen Nicholas and her husband Dennis of Scottsburg, Indiana and Julia Nichols and her husband James of Huntsville, Alabama. Two sons, Dr. R. Kevin Rogers and his wife Anne of Scottsburg, Indiana and J. Christopher Rogers of Dallas, Texas. One sister, Bodie Bright of Scottsburg, Indiana.

Six grandchildren, Amberley Kendall (Jason), Brice Nicholas, Lindsay Arrington (Chip), Leah Wunch (Hunter), Olivia Rogers and Alex Rogers. Five great grandchildren, Avery Kendall, Brandt Kendall, Haylee Nicholas, Kinley Arrington and Grant Wunch.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 31, 2023 from 2pm - 6pm, at Charles E Meyer Gymnasium, Scottsburg IN.

Visitation will resume on Friday, September 1, 2023 from 11am - 1pm, at First Christian Church, Scottsburg IN.

Funeral Services will begin at 1pm, at First Christian Church, Scottsburg IN.

He will be laid to rest at Scottsburg Cemetery with Graveside Services conducted by the

Scottsburg F&AM and military honors by Scottsburg American Legion Post.

Friends are invited to leave condolence messages for the family at www.christensenfamilyfuneral.com.

Daniel and Betsy Christensen have been entrusted with the arrangements.